NEIL Middleditch believes Grzegorz Zengota's failure to adapt to the Poole track hastened his departure.

Promoter Matt Ford had always intended to bring back Krzysztof Kasprzak into the Pirates one-to-seven following his recovery from a broken collarbone.

However, Ford left the door open for Zengota to prove himself and earn a permanent place in the septet.

The two-times Under-21 Speedway World Cup winner managed just 16 paid 17 points across three meetings, including modest efforts of four paid five and five at home to Wolverhampton and Leicester, respectively.

Kasprzak returned for last week's SGB Premiership clashes with King's Lynn and team boss Middleditch admitted Zengota had never been comfortable on Wimborne Road shale.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "I don't think Zengi got to grips with the Poole track. He had a baptism of fire in the few meetings he did for us and we appreciate his efforts.

"Had he scored better, he might still be there now, but KK has come back in and we have to give him a chance.

"Zengi was a very nice lad and he was very disappointed with his form on the track."

The 28-year-old has now ridden for three clubs in British speedway, his previous teams being Swindon – across two spells – and Coventry.